kazakhstan-,uzbekstan 9 days tours in central asia
English Summary
This 9‑day in‑depth tour explores two Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – with pure play, no shopping, and “3 flights + 1 high‑speed train” routing without backtracking. In Kazakhstan, discover the dramatic Charyn Canyon, crystal‑clear Kolsai Lake, and Shymbulak Mountain, plus Almaty’s old bazaars and parks. In Uzbekistan, step into the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, visiting Registan Square, Shah‑i‑Zinda, Ark Fortress, and other UNESCO sites, while experiencing traditional paper‑making and a folklore dinner show. Accommodation is in Ctrip 4‑diamond hotels, with 7 breakfasts and 14 meals included, accompanied by a Chinese‑speaking tour leader and local guides. Ideal for travellers fascinated by Silk Road history, culture, and natural scenery.
Daily Itinerary Overview
Day Itinerary Distance / Time Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel
D1 Domestic flight → Urumqi → Almaty (by air). Flight CZ6075 (10:10 Beijing time → 09:10 Almaty time, about 2h). Almaty → Shymbulak Mountain → National Central Museum → Shooting Range → Arbat Walking Street. 100km / 2h × √ √ Almaty
D2 Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Kolsai Lake → Almaty. 300km / 6h √ √ √ (light meal) Almaty
D3 Almaty: First President Park → Independence Square → Panfilov Park → Zenkov Cathedral → Green Bazaar → flight to Tashkent. Reference flights: HY766 23:10–00:50+1 or C6205 19:10–20:45. 100km / 2h √ √ × Tashkent
D4 Tashkent → Samarkand (280km/5.5h): Shah‑i‑Zinda → Bibi‑Khanym Mosque → Registan Square & Madrasahs. 280km / 5.5h √ √ √ Samarkand
D5 Samarkand: Emir Timur Mausoleum → Silk Road University (outside) → Confucius Institute (outside) → Ulugh Beg Observatory → Koni Ghil Meros mulberry‑paper workshop. 100km / 2h √ √ √ Samarkand
D6 Samarkand → Bukhara (260km/4.5h): Sitorai Mokhi‑Khosa Palace → Ark Fortress → Kalyan Minaret. 260km / 4.5h √ √ √ Bukhara
D7 Bukhara → Tashkent (by high‑speed train, 580km/6h). Train No. 709 16:51–23:06. Visit Chor Minor (outside) → Afandi Square → Tashkent. Due to ticket availability, route may be reversed (Tashkent train to Bukhara) – sights unchanged, final itinerary per departure notice. 580km / 6h √ √ √ Tashkent
D8 Tashkent full day: Amir Timur Square → Applied Arts Museum → White Mosque → Earthquake Memorial → Asia’s largest Plov Centre → TV Tower (outside) → Independence Square (if under repair, substitute) → Tashkent Metro → Sacred Heart Cathedral (outside) → Chorsu Bazaar → Magic Square → Seoul Street → transfer to airport. 100km / 2h √ √ × None
D9 Tashkent → Urumqi (flight). Flight CZ6030 (01:30 Tashkent time → 07:05 Beijing time, about 2h35m). Then domestic connecting flight home. – × × × None
- 恰伦峡谷（Charyn Canyon）：
Charyn Canyon, Almatycharyn canyon - private day tourCharyn Canyon景点图片 - 阿拉木图科克托贝观景台（Kok Tobe）：
View From Kok Tobe Almaty Wallpaper - 阿拉木图Zenkov大教堂（Zenkov Cathedral）：
哈萨克斯坦·Zenkov Cathedral哈萨克斯坦·Zenkov Cathedral - 塔什干Amir Temur广场（Amir Temur Square）：
Amir Temur Square景点图片 - 行程相关配图：
- 阿拉木图 Медеу（Medeu）：
阿拉木图旅游图片
- 阿拉木图 Шымбулак（Shymbulak）：
哈萨克斯坦阿拉木图城市风景
- 阿拉木图 Зеленый базар（Green Bazaar）：
哈萨克斯坦之阿拉木图旅游
- 塔什干 Первого Президента парк（First President Park）：
塔什干的记忆广场
- 撒马尔罕 Гур-Эмир（Gur-Emir Mausoleum）：
撒马尔罕旅游景点图片
- 撒马尔罕 Регистан（Registan Square）：
撒马尔罕旅游攻略图片
- 撒马尔罕 Шахи-Зинда（Shah-i-Zinda）：
撒马尔罕
- 撒马尔罕 Улугбека обсерватория（Ulugh Beg Observatory）：
乌鲁格贝克天文台
- 布哈拉 Арк（Ark of Bukhara）：
乌兹别克斯坦布哈拉古城，世界文化遗产，乌兹别克斯坦的面积不大，但是有四座古城列为世界遗产点，尤其以布哈拉、希瓦古城和撒马尔汗保存最...
- 布哈拉 минарет Калян（Kalyan Minaret）：
乌兹别克斯坦布哈拉古城，世界文化遗产，乌兹别克斯坦的面积不大，但是有四座古城列为世界遗产点，尤其以布哈拉、希瓦古城和撒马尔汗保存最...
- 布哈拉 мавзолей Саманидов（Samaniid Mausoleum）：
乌兹别克斯坦布哈拉古城，世界文化遗产，乌兹别克斯坦的面积不大，但是有四座古城列为世界遗产点，尤其以布哈拉、希瓦古城和撒马尔汗保存最...
- 阿拉木图 Медеу（Medeu）：
Detailed Daily Itinerary
▍Day 1: Domestic → Urumqi (flight) → Almaty (approx. 1h50m flight)
Theme: Begin your Central Asian journey, following the ancient Silk Road westwards. Arrive in Kazakhstan – the world’s largest landlocked country and a key hub connecting Asia and Europe. Enjoy its pristine natural beauty and authentic nomadic culture.
Meals: Breakfast – self; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – Central Asian special.
Hotel: Almaty (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
Important: This is a connecting group ticket; you must use the flights in sequence. If you miss the first segment, the airline may cancel all subsequent segments (including return) with no refund. Example: A→B→C→D – if A→B is not used, B→C and C→D are automatically cancelled.
After arriving in Urumqi, meet at the airport and fly to Almaty.
Shymbulak Mountain (40 min): Only 30 minutes from Almaty, this top alpine resort sits in the Trans‑Ili Alatau range. A modern cable car offers stunning views from forested slopes to snowy peaks. In winter – excellent skiing; in summer – hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding.
National Central Museum (40 min): Kazakhstan’s largest and most valuable museum. Its highlight is a complete “Golden Warrior” (Saka warrior) armour from the 5th‑4th century BC – a national symbol. The museum covers history from the Stone Age, Turkic Khaganate, Mongol period to the Kazakh Khanate and modern independence.
Shooting Range (40 min): Experience live firing (2 rounds per person).
Arbat Walking Street (40 min): Almaty’s most famous pedestrian street, lined with boutiques, craft shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Street musicians and artists create a lively, relaxed urban atmosphere.
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▍Day 2: Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Kolsai Lake (approx. 300km / 6h)
Theme: Explore Charyn Canyon – a geological poem carved over millions of years – and discover the “Blue Tears” of Kolsai Lake.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – light meal.
Hotel: Almaty (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
After breakfast, drive to Charyn Canyon (120 min): Known as the “Grand Canyon of Asia”, about 154 km long and 150‑300 m deep, shaped over 12 million years by wind and water. The red‑hued rock walls glow like fire at sunset. Legend says a 150‑m pillar is a warrior turned to stone, with armour patterns still visible.
Then to Kolsai Lake (60 min): A mountain triptych of lakes at the foot of the Tien Shan. The upper lake at 2,850 m, just 6 km from Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by spruce forests with crystal‑clear water. The middle lake, “Mynzholky” (meaning “1000 years old”), is the largest, mirroring the sky and forests – perfect for hiking, photography, and camping. Return to Almaty in the evening.
Note: Due to long driving and sightseeing times, dinner today is a simple meal.
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▍Day 3: Almaty
Theme: Discover modern Kazakhstan’s cultural pulse through museums and urban life.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – self.
Hotel: Tashkent (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
First President Park (40 min): A large modern park south of Almaty, centred around the First President Monument, offering panoramic views of the city and snow‑capped mountains.
Independence Square (40 min): Kazakhstan’s most important ceremonial square. The 28‑m Independence Monument topped with the “Golden Warrior” statue is a national emblem. Reliefs tell the country’s history and path to independence.
Panfilov Park (40 min): Dedicated to the 28 Panfilov Guards who fell in WWII. The Eternal Flame and memorial inspire reverence.
Zenkov Cathedral (40 min) (also known as Ascension Cathedral): Located in Panfilov Park, it is the world’s second‑tallest all‑wooden building, constructed without nails, with a fairy‑tale colourful exterior and richly decorated interior.
Green Bazaar (40 min): Almaty’s oldest and liveliest traditional market. Stalls overflow with fresh fruit, nuts, spices, dairy, meats and sweets – a sensory immersion into local daily life.
After the tour, transfer to the airport for the flight to Tashkent.
Reference flights: HY766 23:10→00:50+1 or C6205 19:10→20:45 (actual flight to be confirmed).
Day 4: Tashkent → Samarkand
Theme: Head to the “Blue City” Samarkand and lose yourself in the legendary Shah‑i‑Zinda.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – Central Asian special.
Hotel: Samarkand (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
Drive to Samarkand.
Shah‑i‑Zinda Necropolis (60 min): A magnificent ensemble of over 20 mausoleums, known as the “Tomb of the Living King”. Walking through the narrow lane lined with dazzling blue‑tiled mausoleums feels like ascending a blue stairway to heaven. It holds the grave of Qusam ibn Abbas (cousin of Prophet Muhammad) and Timurid royalty – a masterpiece of 14th‑15th century ceramic decoration.
Bibi‑Khanym Mosque (60 min): Built by Timur for his beloved wife, it was once the grandest mosque in the Islamic world. Though partially ruined, its monumental portal and minarets still evoke its former glory – a romantic yet melancholic ruin.
Registan Square (Madrasah Ensemble) (60 min): The symbol of Samarkand and all Central Asia, this public square is surrounded by three majestic madrasahs – Ulugh Beg, Tilya‑Kori, and Sher‑Dor – built in different eras yet forming a breathtaking architectural symphony.
Samarkand – “Heart of Uzbekistan”, over 2,500 years old, known as the “Crossroads of the Silk Road”. Once the capital of Timur’s empire, it is a UNESCO treasure trove where Persian, Indian, Mongol, Turkic and Chinese cultures fused.
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▍Day 5: Samarkand
Theme: Deeper exploration of Samarkand.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – Central Asian special.
Hotel: Samarkand (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
Emir Timur Mausoleum (Gur‑e‑Amir) (60 min): The family tomb of Timur and his descendants, with a magnificent ribbed dome covered in “Timur blue” tiles. It houses Timur, his sons, and his grandson Ulugh Beg – the ultimate resting place of imperial power.
Silk Road University & Confucius Institute (outside) (30 min): A modern international university blending contemporary and traditional Uzbek design – symbolising Samarkand’s transition from ancient trade hub to centre of modern education and cultural exchange.
Ulugh Beg Observatory (40 min): Built in the 15th century by Timur’s grandson, the astronomer‑king Ulugh Beg, this observatory was the most advanced of its time. The surviving giant marble sextant was used to compile the star catalogue that remained the most accurate until Copernicus.
Koni Ghil Meros Mulberry Paper Workshop (30 min): Witness the revival of the ancient Samarkand paper‑making technique – using mulberry bark, pounded, soaked, and crafted by hand into the famous “Samarkand paper”. This craft travelled from China along the Silk Road.
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▍Day 6: Samarkand → Bukhara
Theme: Step into the ancient city of Bukhara – walking through the folds of time.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – Central Asian special.
Hotel: Bukhara (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
Sitorai Mokhi‑Khosa Palace (40 min): A summer palace built by Russian architects and local craftsmen – remarkable for its construction without a single nail. Now a museum showcasing the Emir’s luxurious lifestyle. Also visit silk workshops and bazaars.
Ark Fortress (40 min): An ancient royal citadel, inhabited since the 5th century. Only a small part remains, with about 80% in ruins, but it houses several museums. The fortress mound stands 18 m high, surrounded by layered walls – a symbol of Bukhara’s medieval civilisation, with unique brickwork and a rugged, poetic beauty.
Kalyan Minaret (40 min): Built in 1127, 46.5 m high, it has been Bukhara’s tallest landmark for centuries. The brick tower features over ten bands of intricate geometric patterns, creating rich light‑and‑shadow effects. It served both as a call to prayer and a Silk Road beacon.
Day 7: Bukhara → Tashkent (High‑Speed Train)
Theme: Travel by train across the plains to Tashkent.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – Central Asian special.
Hotel: Tashkent (Ctrip 4‑diamond)
Chor Minor (Four Minarets) – outside (30 min): Meaning “four minarets” in Uzbek, this unique mosque features four round towers with different shapes, blending Indian and Central Asian styles. It is the cover image of Lonely Planet – Central Asia.
Afandi Square (30 min): Located in the old city centre around an ancient pool, with a statue of Nasreddin Afandi (the wise fool) on his donkey. A relaxing spot to watch locals and soak in the slow rhythm.
After the tour, take the high‑speed train to Tashkent.
Reference train: No. 709 16:51–23:06.
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▍Day 8: Tashkent Full Day
Theme: Immerse in Tashkent’s diverse character – from traditional bazaars to metro art – capturing the heartbeat of Central Asia’s modern capital.
Meals: Breakfast – hotel; Lunch – Central Asian special; Dinner – self.
Hotel: None (overnight flight)
Amir Timur Square (30 min): Tashkent’s central square, dominated by a bronze equestrian statue of Timur. Surrounding buildings showcase Soviet and post‑Soviet architecture.
Applied Arts Museum (30 min): Housed in a 19th‑century Russian diplomat’s mansion, this museum is itself a masterpiece of Central Asian woodcarving and painting, featuring works by artisans from Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva.
White Mosque (30 min): A modern, traditionally styled mosque built of white marble, shining brilliantly in the sun – perfect for photography.
Earthquake Memorial (30 min): Erected to commemorate the victims of the 1966 Tashkent earthquake. The central bronze sculpture of a man protecting a woman, a cracked clock showing 5:24 (the quake time), and reliefs of rescue workers symbolise courage and international solidarity.
Asia’s Largest Plov Centre (lunch): A huge open‑kitchen restaurant serving thousands of people daily – watch chefs prepare plov in massive cauldrons; it’s not just a meal but a cultural ceremony.
Tashkent TV Tower (outside, 20 min): At 375 m, Central Asia’s tallest structure, adorned with traditional Uzbek blue mosaic patterns – distinct from typical metal towers.
Independence Square (20 min, substitute if under repair): Uzbekistan’s main national square, featuring the Memorial to the Independent Motherland and the “Mourning Mother” statue – a spiritual landmark.
Tashkent Metro (20 min): Central Asia’s first metro, known as the “underground art museum” for its uniquely decorated stations – each with themes from national epics to space exploration, using mosaics, reliefs, murals, and chandeliers.
Sacred Heart Cathedral (outside, 30 min): A Neo‑Gothic Catholic church designed by Polish architect L. Panchakevich, completed in the late 20th century and handed over to the Catholic parish in the 1990s.
Chorsu Bazaar (40 min): Tashkent’s largest and oldest market, famous for its green dome. Stalls are stacked with colourful spices, dried fruits, sweets, meats and vegetables – the soul of the city.
Magic Square (40 min): Tashkent’s largest entertainment complex with shopping malls, restaurants, amusement park, and evening musical fountains – a glimpse of modern urban life.
Seoul Street (40 min): A vibrant, East‑Asian‑inspired street in the city centre, lined with Korean‑style cafes, restaurants, and boutiques – a symbol of Uzbek‑Korean cultural and economic ties.
After the tour, transfer to Tashkent International Airport.
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▍Day 9: Tashkent → Urumqi (flight) → Domestic connecting flight – end of tour
Theme: Conclude your journey, carrying memories of Central Asia back home.
Meals: Breakfast – self; Lunch – self; Dinner – self.
Hotel: None
Flight: CZ6030 Tashkent 01:30 → Urumqi 07:05 (approx. 2h35m). Then catch your domestic connecting flight (details to be confirmed). Say goodbye to your group and return home, with wonderful stories to share.
Inclusions
· Transport: 3 flights (Urumqi–Almaty, Almaty–Tashkent, Tashkent–Urumqi) with taxes; high‑speed train Bukhara–Tashkent. Baggage allowance: domestic segments 20 kg, international segments 32 kg.
· Accommodation: 7 nights in Ctrip 4‑diamond hotels (twin share) – all with A/C, hot water, private bathroom (except one night in a local homestay in Kazakhstan).
· Meals: 7 breakfasts (hotel‑provided, non‑refundable if not used) and 14 lunches/dinners as specified (restaurants may vary).
· Vehicle: Air‑conditioned tourist coach (17‑21 or 33‑38 seats, according to group size) with at least 10% empty seats.
· Entrance fees: First admission tickets to listed attractions (package discounts – no refund if any site is not visited).
· Guides: Local Chinese‑speaking guide service.
· Shopping: None – pure play, zero shopping, zero self‑paid activities.
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Exclusions
1. Personal expenses during free time, meals not mentioned, and shopping.
2. Single room supplement: 2,100 RMB (unless we can arrange a shared room – we will notify 15 days in advance; if the sharer cancels or cannot share, the supplement applies).
3. Overseas miscellaneous fees: 2,000 RMB/person (pay to the tour leader at the airport).
4. Expenses due to flight delays, cancellations, wars, strikes, natural disasters, etc.
5. Travel accident insurance – guests are advised to purchase their own.
6. Losses caused by breach of contract, personal fault, or illness.
7. Airline insurance, excess baggage fees, optional attractions or intra‑scenic transport.
8. Breakfast for guests not staying in hotels (if you arrange your own accommodation).
9. Any item not explicitly mentioned in “Inclusions”.
10. Children aged 6 and under – charged at child rate (includes coach seat, meals, and guide service, but excludes accommodation, breakfast, and entrance fees; if one adult with one child, the child must occupy a bed).
11. Pay‑to‑use public toilets and scenic area internal transport/entertainment are at your own expense.
12. If you leave the group during the tour, it is considered a breach of contract and you will bear liability.
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Important Reminders
1. Bring your valid passport (required for check‑in and online seat selection).
2. All activities must follow the group – unauthorised departure is a unilateral breach; you bear all risks and costs.
3. If you are late or unreachable, you will be deemed to have given up that part of the tour, with no refund and all risks on you.
4. Arrive at the airport on time for check‑in.
5. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to flight issues, visa refusals, or force majeure.
6. If you are denied exit by customs due to your own record (e.g., DT stamp), you bear all losses.
7. If you use incorrect documents or are a “dishonest person” (court‑restricted traveller), any losses are yours.
8. Double‑check your flight and personal details – inform us immediately of any errors.
9. Travel times may be extended due to traffic jams or road works.
10. Connecting flight rule: If the first segment is missed, the airline may cancel all subsequent segments with no refund.
Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan 10-Day Itinerary Attraction Pictures (17 Pics, English Names Labeled)
Part 1 Kazakhstan (Almaty)
1. Republic Square, Almaty
2. Charyn Canyon – Valley of Castles
3. Kok Tobe Hill, Almaty (Night Panorama)
4. Medeu Ice Rink
5. Shymbulak Ski Resort (3000m)
6. Zenkov Ascension Cathedral
7. Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)
8. First President's Park, Almaty
Part 2 Uzbekistan (Tashkent / Samarkand / Bukhara)
9. Amir Temur Square, Tashkent
10. Ornate Tashkent Metro Station
11. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand
12. Registan Square, Samarkand (Sunset View)
13. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
14. Ulugh Beg Observatory
15. Ark Fortress, Bukhara
16. Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara
17. Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara
Total Quantity: 17 Attraction Photos
